Unfortunately I just learned about Jim’s passing today.
He was an incredibly kind and giving educator. He was my math tutor in my youth, and a fellow teacher with my dad at FC. 
I was so excited when I had a group of students visit the statehouse last year and Jim was our guide. 
This man made a lot of impact to a lot of students. 
I hope his family understands the impact and legacy he leaves for so many.
- Don

Nancy,  So sorry to hear . I have to be in southern Indiana by 2:30 but you both are in my prayers. 





                   Austin Prater

Jim...my brother-in-law, my friend. The four of us made a lot of great memories together; many New Years Eves together, their visits to us in Florida, etc.
For the last few years Jim and I played a word game on line against each other.  This game allowed us to "chat" with each other on line. Most of the time our chats revolved around the game and the words played. In recent months our chats turned more serious as Jim underwent various treatments for the cancer. I'll always cherish those conversations we exchanged now that his voice has been silenced.
This isn't goodbye, Jim. It's just "see you later."


First of all, I want to thank everyone that took the time to share their memories of my Uncle Jim on here. It means so much to read stories of how he touched people's lives,  as a teacher and as a human being.  He was our Uncle Jim and we adored him! He always had a story to tell and I have so many wonderful memories with him and my Aunt Nancy.  My own kids remember the stories he would tell around a fall campfire.  He will be missed so very much. 

I have had an amazing abundance of great mentors in my life; the one person whose influence has been felt every single day of my career is Jim Johnson.

I was a precocious [read: obnoxious] middle-school kid with too much knowledge, too much mouth, and too much sass, but not enough wisdom, support, or genuine direction.  My Algebra teacher - his wife Nancy - steered me toward his Middle School Reporter program for the high school station that he ran.  I would take his required Intro to Radio class as a freshman, his Honors English class as a sophomore, and countless hours of his time in the WRFT studios those first two years.  When I asked him what I should do at the station, he simply answered:

"Everything"

So I did.  I learned every single aspect of a radio station, from turning on the transmitter to managing the entire operation.  Every single one of those things I did for WRFT would be something I would later do in professional Radio.

I don't know if he ever realized that his one-word answer became the cornerstone of my career.  I don't know if he ever realized that the discipline, care, and professionalism he insisted we employ at a student station would be what has kept me employed my entire adult life.  I don't know if he ever realized that I put his lessons on the air with every single day, with every single show, with every single word.

I also don't know if I ever gave him a proper "Thank you" for any and all of it.

Here's the best story I have to highlight the best of him:

The final project for that Intro to Radio class was a mini-documentary of a muscial artist from before 1980.    I chose Jim Croce.  Without ever mentioning it again,  three-and-a-half years later, his graduation gift to me was Jim Croce's Greatest Hits on CD, the first I ever owned.

That's the moment that I really "got it."

Thank you,  "Frank Lin."

Your broadcast goes on farther than maybe you ever knew.

Besides my father, I don’t believe any man has influenced my life more than Mr. Jim Johnson, who died February 25. Mr. Johnson was the founder and longtime director of the WRFT radio program at Franklin Central High School. He took my interest in broadcasting & molded & inspired me toward a rewarding career. While we were learning broadcasting on an educational radio station, Mr. Johnson demanded that we acted professionally, on & off the air. Radio was a class. It was not easy. He was very strict, gave demanding assignments and gave us a lot of responsibility. We could have fun and entertain, but radio was no place to horse around. We had to pass a test to get an FCC operators license. We learned to turn on the transmitter for our before school morning shows and take equipment readings. We had to do a legal ID saying “WRFT, Indianapolis” between 57:30 and 02:30 at the top every hour. Mr. Johnson taught me that “W” is pronounced “double U” not “dub-ya”. 
 I have wonderful memories broadcasting games, including the state football final at the Hoosierdome. The countless hours Mr. Johnson spent running the board for after school remotes showed just how much he cared about his students and the community service WRFT provides. I went to Butler University largely because Mr. Johnson went there. I was way ahead of most of my radio/TV majors because of what Mr. Johnson taught me. I regret that I didn’t stay in touch more often after my professional career began. But I did see him just a few years ago at the Indiana State Fair. He gave me his business card as a tour guide at the Indiana Statehouse. I was able to thank him and tell him how much I appreciated and owed him for my career. His memory will carry on with so many grateful students.



Our family admired Jim for his intelligence, wit, patience, and kindness. His love of history and people combined to make him the best storyteller. Jim loved to talk and he was good at it. With very little prep (minutes!) he graciously agreed to speak at my Father's funeral (Nancy's Uncle Harold) and delivered a memorable and most appreciated tribute. Both of our kids expressed heart-felt  sorrow at his passing: "I loved him - he was so nice!"
Jim will always be remembered by the Downey Family. 

I wish I could have spent more time with you Uncle Jim.  I always looked up to you, you were always to kind and funny.   I remember your poems and your stories at Halloween.  I love you Uncle Jim. ❤️

Dear Nancy and family,
During my time teaching at Franklin Central High School, I was always impressed wih Jim's ability to engage with his students in his English classes that he taught.  His time as director of the school's radion station, WRFT was very special as the the voice of Franklin Township. Especially clever was when he took on the persona of Franl Linn on some of the broadcasts.  My deepest sympathy for your loss.  Jim will be missed.

Chuck Wettrick

I will forever miss my dear Uncle Jim. I have many fond memories of him and Aunt Nancy as a child. He was so knowledgeable of so many things. He had the kindest heart.  💙💙

Mrs Johnson- Mr Johnson was infinitely influential in my life as well. Coming on WRFT staff my freshman year, I did not have the discipline I needed and didn’t turn in an assignment and got kicked out of radio for a week. This lesson left a big impression on me, and I learned the value of meeting deadlines (and high expectations). I think back so fondly of what Mr Johnson created at WRFT and how many people he influenced who are still in the field. And for those of us who aren’t, lessons are just as poignant. In my adult years, I enjoyed reading his column in the Daily Journal. My sincere condolences to you and your family. Amy (Durocher) Matthews ‘90

I met Jim at the statehouse. He was a tour guide and a lover of history and education. I would bring him Long's donuts on Fridays 
when I worked there.
He would always teach me something new about Indiana.
I will miss him and his smile and wit.
He was a great person and Indiana will miss him.
Bless him and his family.
Former State Senator Dennis Neary

Mr. Johnson was the true definition of “teacher” and “mentor.”  I’m so saddened to hear of his passing. He was one of the most influential people in my life. He gave me direction and encouragement at a very pivotal age during my time at Franklin Central High School. 

Mr. Johnson ran the radio program much like a business. The knowledge and lessons that stemmed from that program are still very much with me today. He talked about “Vince Lombardi Time” as it relates to being punctual. He taught us about the importance of preparation and planning.  He went above and beyond to make sure our radio experience at good ol’ WRFT was truly magical. 

We were taught that radio waves go on forever. I’d like to think the same about Mr. Johnson. I have no doubt that “Frank Lin” is spinning some Bobby V on the FM dial right now in Heaven. 

God bless Mr. Johnson and his lovely wife Nancy! 

Yours in radio and life,

Ron Sexton (‘89)

He’s the best big brother I could ever ask for, so many wonderful memories. Such a great role model and someone I’ve always looked up to. He will be missed by so many. RIP Jim. 

OBITUARY

James "Jim" Harold Johnson

June 11, 1944 – February 25, 2023

Crown Hill Funeral Home & Cemetery

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